Charles Communications Signs Oeneo Closures USA and Crimson Wine Group San Francisco, CA June 2009… Charles Communications Associates, LLC., a leading national agency specializing in the wine, spirits, food & beverage categories, announces the addition of two new clients to its diverse portfolio of clients for 2009. Crimson Wine Group, which owns and operates a portfolio of top wineries including Pine Ridge Winery of Napa, CA, Archery Summit of Willamette Valley, OR and Chamisal Vineyards of Edna Valley, CA, and Oeneo Closures USA, producers of DIAM™ technical corks, have tapped Charles Communications Associates for their U.S. public relations efforts for its strategic insight, excellent contacts in media and trade with the ability to steer brands to the right media and consumer groups both online and off. “Oeneo Closures, USA with their superior corks that guarantee 100% satisfaction as a closure for wines of any level of ageability, has enjoyed great success in the U.K. with the marketplace in which retailers put the pressure back on wineries to guarantee no cork taint, is truly what both consumers and wineries have been looking for as a closure solution. Seventy percent of consumers still prefer a cork closure for their wines, and Oeneo satisfies that desire and saves wineries losses due to spoilage and offers consumers taint free wines,” says Charles Communications Associates President, Kimberly Charles. “Crimson Wine Group brings an amazing and diverse addition to the CCA portfolio with its wineries in Napa, Edna Valley and Oregon, all superior AVAs and established wineries that have enjoyed great acclaim and favor among trade and consumers. The portfolio excites us greatly and the winemaking teams at the three wineries are world class,” states Charles. About Crimson Wine Group The Crimson Wine Group owns and operates a portfolio of luxury wineries positioned in top tiers within the industry. Under the Crimson Wine Group umbrella are three distinct estate-based wineries, Pine Ridge Winery in Napa, California, Archery Summit in Willamette Valley, Oregon, and Chamisal Vineyards in Edna Valley, California, that reflect the unique characteristics of their appellations and are dedicated to handcrafted quality representing the best the region has to offer. About Oeneo Closures USA Oeneo Closures USA provides a secure closure with huge performance benefits, allowing clients to close their wines with confidence. By concentrating their efforts on two real threats to the wine industry, closure consistency and TCA, Oeneo Closures USA has been able to provide wineries with an award winning solution: The DIAM™ closure, a technological cork free of TCA taint. DIAM™ closures offer flexibility, consistency and security to the winemaker, providing the only complete range to suit all winemaking styles and market requirements. For more information about DIAM™ technical closures and the patented Diamant process for TCA extraction, please visit DIAM USA. About Charles Communications Associates, LLC. Charles Communications Associates, LLC, headquartered in San Francisco, CA is an independent creative marketing communications and public relations firm that helps local and global companies, organizations and non-profits create, build and launch a brand. Recognized as one of the most effective PR firms in the consumer products and wine industry, CCA is also known for success in the gourmet, natural and organic food and beverage categories, as well as for top shelf spirits and luxury products marketing. The CCA team infuses its work with enthusiasm, originality, and strategy to help clients thrive and grow. Current CCA client roster includes Boisset Family Estates, The Bubble Lounge, Brix Chocolate, Domaine Carneros, Mark West, Parallel Wines, and Volta Wines. For more information, please visit Charles Communications Associates, LLC. For press inquiries contact Kimberly Charles, Charles Communications Associates, LLC at Press@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463 ###

Boisset Family Estates Launches “Fight Against Hunger” Campaign to Help Combat Hunger in the U.S. Unprecedented Need Highlighted as Inspiration for Family-Owned Winery to Provide a Minimum of 1.2 Million Meals through Sales of its Wines June 2009, San Francisco, CA … Boisset Family Estates and several of its portfolio of top quality wineries, including DeLoach Vineyards, Lyeth Estate, Oceana Estates Riesling, and French rabbit have once again decided to partner with the charity Feed The Children in Boisset’s “Fight Against Hunger” to help combat the sadly increasing problem of hunger in American families. From July through December 2009, every bottle of wine from these four wineries will supplement three meals for a family in need in the U.S. when purchased through a participating retailer, restaurateur, or hotelier. In 2007, 1 in 8 Americans struggled with hunger, including 1 in 6 children, according to the latest government statistics. As of March 2009, participation in the U.S. Government Food Stamp program has reached its highest levels ever . As Tony Sellars, Director of Communications at Feed The Children, says: “We have been around since 1979, and this is unprecedented in terms of need.” Given the current global economic situation, the issue of hunger is more keenly felt than ever and Jean-Charles Boisset, President of Boisset Family Estates, believes strongly that with the integral connection between wine and food, it is essential for his family’s company to contribute to a solution. “The wine world is deeply connected to the harvest, agriculture and food – great wines are complemented by great meals, and thus, as part of the world of food and wine, we find it genuinely troubling to tolerate the existence of hunger among our friends and neighbors,” says Boisset. “We know that now, more than ever, even families that have never thought to seek help before need assistance. That’s why Boisset Family Estates has committed to providing a minimum of 1.2 million meals to U.S. families in need through our partnership with Feed The Children.” Helping address issues of hunger in America has been an integral part of Boisset’s company mission since its previous partnership with Feed The Children, which resulted in more than 2.4 million meals provided to families in the US. “Feed the Children was an excellent partner in our initial campaign; they offered exceptional implementation and were one of the most action-oriented, dynamic organizations I have ever worked with,” says Boisset. Boissset chose to partner with Feed The Children for its excellent reputation, strong commitment to helping U.S. families in need, and its efficiency in delivering aid in communities in every corner of the U.S. The organization owns 55 trucks to deliver food directly to people in communities that need it the most. Feed The Children consistently ranks as one of the ten largest international charities in the United States, and 89% of its efforts are focused on helping U.S. families. Boisset’s retail, restaurant and hotel partners will feature special displays and promotions to publicize the winery’s initiative, culminating in the delivery of at least eight truckloads of food to selected communities-in-need in the fall of 2009. More about Boisset’s partners and the Fight Against Hunger can be found by visiting www.boissetfamilyestates.com/fightagainsthunger. About Boisset Family Estates Boisset Family Estates is an innovative, eco-minded, family-owned producer and importer of fine wines. Its goal is to express the qualities of its wines with an “art de vivre” and style that consistently honors provenance and enhances terroir, history, heritage and quality. The philosophy of uniting each wine with innovative packaging is a vision of sustainability and desire to provide wines for every moment, mode of consumption and occasion. With its roots in Burgundy, France, wineries on two continents and a U.S. office in California, Boisset is a leading producer of Pinot Noir and one of France’s top exporters of premium wines. For more information on the company and its wineries, please visit www.boissetfamilyestates.com. About Feed the Children Founded in 1979 by Larry and Frances Jones, Feed The Children is consistently ranked as one of the ten largest international charities in the U.S., based on private, non-government support. Feed The Children is a Christian, international, nonprofit relief organization with headquarters in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, that delivers food, medicine, clothing and other necessities to individuals, children and families who lack these essentials due to famine, war, poverty or natural disasters. In FY 2007, Feed The Children distributed more than 135 million pounds of food and other essentials to children and their families in all 50 states and internationally, supplementing almost 800,000 meals each day. Since its founding, the organization has reached out to help those in need in 118 countries around the globe. For more information, please visit www.feedthechildren.org. For more information about Boisset Family Estates’ Fight Against Hunger campaign, or for images or interviews with Jean Charles Boisset, please contact Kimberly Charles at Charles Communications Associates kcharles@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463. 1. USDA. Mark Nord, M. Andrews, S. Carlson. Household Food Security in the United States, 2007. www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/FoodSecurity/; and feedingamerica.org/faces-of-hunger/hunger-101/hunger-and-poverty-statistics.aspx. 2. Food Research and Action Center News Digest, Issue #11, March 20, 2009 www.frac.org/digest/03.20.09.htm # # #

Boisset Family Estates Debuts Fog Mountain The First California Wine Launched in the US in a 1-Liter PET¹ Plastic Bottle SAUSALITO, CA, May 27th, 2009 – Boisset Family Estates announces the debut of Fog Mountain, the first California wine in a 1 liter PET bottle launched in the U.S. Fog Mountain builds upon Boisset’s global environmental commitment, which spans organic and biodynamic farming on its estates, to winery initiatives to use renewable energy and reduce water consumption, to an innovative portfolio of wines in alternative packaging that reduce the carbon footprint through a wine’s entire life cycle. Boisset has been the leader in introducing PET wine bottles to the US wine market, from its Louis Bernard Bonus Passus Côtes du Rhône – the first AOC wine in PET bottles – to the bold move to lead the wine world into shipping all of its 2008 Beaujolais Nouveau in PET bottles, reducing the weight, energy consumed in transit and production, and the carbon footprint of every case shipped. Boisset encouraged its wine world partners to follow its lead. In the June 24th, 2008 issue of The Economist, Boisset’s innovative, alternative packaging was covered, followed by Forbes coverage of Boisset’s first release in PET: “debunking the notion that good wines come only in glass bottles sealed with corks, French winemaker Boisset Family Estates is introducing into the U.S. a 750-milliliter polyethylene terephthalate [PET] bottle of wine called Yellow Jersey.” Fog Mountain is Boisset’s first California wine in innovative alternative packaging, and its first 1 liter PET bottle offering two more glasses than a traditional 750ml bottle. “We are excited to add Fog Mountain, and a California wine, to our leading portfolio of wines in innovative packaging,” says Jean-Charles Boisset, President of Boisset Family Estates. “In today’s time, we genuinely believe that it is vital for all of us to consider the environmental impact of our wines, and our entire supply chain, and to find solutions to reduce our carbon footprint while delivering the highest-quality, best value and most consumer benefits that we can. We believe Fog Mountain can be a part of that solution, and we’re thrilled at the leadership shown by Dan Hoffman and his team at Marriott International to embrace a bold initiative for the wine world.” #1 PET bottles are high quality, safe, and recyclable plastic bottles with zero impact on the wine quality. PET offers lightweight, 100% recyclable plastic bottles that have an estimated 60% lower carbon footprint than traditional wine bottles. PET has a meaningful life once recycled, becoming new PET bottles, fleece fabric, and more. In fact, 7 recycled Fog Mountain 1L wine bottles produce enough material to create 1 extra-large t-shirt. PET is, and always has been, BPA-free. Boisset’s bottle, produced in partnership with EnVino Bottles and bottled in conjunction with Bravo Bottling, features a unique oxygen barrier called MonOxbar™ that ensures the wine has a long shelf-life. The shatterproof bottle finished with a screwcap provides ease-of-use, safety, and convenience. Consumers also benefit from the added value of a 1L bottle, offering 33% more wine than a typical 750ml bottle. Boisset Family Estates is well-known as a dynamic pioneer for innovation and sustainability in the wine world with French rabbit wines in Tetra Pak cartons, Yellow Jersey and Louis Bernard’s Bonus Passus Côtes du Rhône AOC in 750ml PET bottles, and Mommessin Beaujolais Grande Reserve in 750ml aluminum bottles featuring the Cooldot™. Jean-Charles Boisset was recently named 2008’s “Innovator of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. In June 2007 he was named to Decanter Magazine’s list of the Top 50 Power Brokers in the global wine industry, and in March 2008 he received the Meininger International Wine Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the publishers of Meininger’s Wine Business International. The Boisset Family Estates' Beaujolais Nouveau in PET won an AmeriStar Beverage Package Award – the only wine package recognized in the 2008 competition. Fog Mountain is 100% Merlot sourced from prime growing areas throughout California. The wine features a dark ruby color with aromas of raspberry jam. Mouth-filling black cherry, dusty chocolate, and blackberry flavors finish soft with ripe plum notes. Fog Mountain will be available nationwide at JW Marriott hotels and at fine wine retailers beginning in June 2009. About Boisset Family Estates Boisset Family Estates is a family-owned producer and importer of fine wine, with its origins in the world’s pre-eminent terroir for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Nuits-St.-Georges, France. Its goal is to express the qualities of its wines with an “art de vivre” and style that consistently honors provenance and enhances terroir, history, heritage, and quality. With its roots in Burgundy, France, Boisset is one of the world’s leading producers of Pinot Noir, from DeLoach Vineyards in California’s Russian River Valley to Domaine de la Vougeraie in Burgundy, and one of France’s top exporters of premium wines. For more information on the company and its wineries, please visit www.boissetfamilyestates.com. Samples and images are available upon request. For more press information, wine samples or additional images, please contact: Kendall Johnson, Charles Communications Associates at kendall@charlescomm.com or (415) 701-9463; or Patrick Egan, Boisset Family Estates at patrick.egan@boisset.com or (415) 289-4520. ¹PET stands for “polyethylene terephthalate” and it is a thermoplastic polymer resin used in packaging applications. Lightweight and safe (BPA-free – now and always), PET weighs 90% less than traditional bottles, and conserves fuel, energy and greenhouse gases throughout its lifecycle, from production to transit to recycling. It is estimated to have a 50-60% smaller carbon footprint than a traditional bottle and is 100% recyclable. ###

Mark West Pinot Noir Launches National "Pinot for the People" Design Contest Graton, CA, May 4, 2009… In honor of May Day 2009, Mark West Pinot Noir celebrates everyday hard working people with the launch of “Pinot for the People - T-shirt for the People” – a national design contest open to wine enthusiasts, designers and creative minds alike. Participants are invited to submit their original (and witty!) designs for a special edition t-shirt to debut at the 2009 Pinot Days Wine Tasting Event in San Francisco, which attracts over 2500 wine enthusiasts each year. Mark West’s value driven, high quality Pinot Noir strives to offer the everyday wine drinker a quality wine without the price tag and pretentiousness that often accompanies this “high maintenance” grape. Mark West, known as the “Pinot for the People" - once again asks the consumer to be involved in their wine. The winning artist will receive a $500 reward and their design will be made into t-shirts worn by and distributed to wine enthusiasts throughout San Francisco and Wine Country. In addition to the award money, the design will be featured on Mark West’s website and shared with the design community at CrowdSpring.com, an online marketplace for creative services. Entrants are welcome to submit as many designs as they would like. The “Pinot for the People – T-shirt for the People” contest starts Monday, May 4th and ends on May 17th, 2009 at midnight. There is no purchase necessary to participate in this event.  All necessary information - including rules, where to enter, and background information is available online. Visit the Contest or for more information visit our website: www.markwestwines.com. The winning design will be chosen after May 18th by the Mark West judging panel and announced via our Facebook Fan Page on June 1st, 2009. We will send a follow up email announcing the winner the following week. About Mark West Pinot Noir Mark West specializes in producing great value California Pinot Noir with varietal integrity and quality.  Mark West’s Pinot Noir appeals to a wide range of wine drinkers who enjoy an affordable everyday Pinot Noir at home or by the glass in restaurants. Mark West is one of the top five best selling Pinot Noirs in the country and was selected as one of the "Most Popular Pinot Noirs" in the 20th Annual Restaurant Poll in Wine & Spirits Magazine in April 2009. The eco-friendly winery in Graton has been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency, granted an Energy Star Award and became an accredited Sonoma County Green Business in 2008. For more information on Mark West wines and the people behind them, contact Kendall Johnson, Charles Communications Associates, kendall@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463. # # #

Pine Ridge Vineyards Appoints Michael Beaulac as Winemaker and General Manager Stag's Leap District, Napa Valley, CA - Michael Beaulac has been appointed Winemaker and General Manager at Pine Ridge Vineyards after a long and thorough search to find the successor to a winemaking history dating back to 1978 when the winery was founded.   Inheriting the role shaped by Stacy Clark for over 25 years, Beaulac will bring his expertise in winemaking with an emphasis on Bordeaux varietals from his eight years as winemaker at St. Supery Vineyards and Markham Vineyards prior to that. "Pine Ridge has a tremendous portfolio of outstanding wines that capture the essence of our exceptional estate vineyards, thanks to Stacy and her dedication over the last few decades," says President and CEO of the Crimson Wine Group, Erle Martin. "Stacy was instrumental in bringing the winery to where it is today, and we are excited to now have Michael on board to build off of our legacy and usher Pine Ridge into a new and exciting era." Since its founding, Pine Ridge Vineyards has been recognized and singled out for its excellent, expressive Cabernet Sauvignon from its 225 acres in five AVAs within the  Napa Valley http://www.pineridgewinery.com/Winery-Appelations-and-Vineyards. As a complement to the Cabernet Sauvignon and a testimony to the strength of its vineyards, the winery has also excelled in Chardonnay and other red Bordeaux varietal offerings, as well as the charming Chenin Blanc/Viognier blend. In his new role, Beaulac will be overseeing all grape growing and winemaking operations as well as facilities management at the winery, located on the famous Silverado Trail in the heart of the Stag's Leap district. "With the winery's exceptional reputation and collection of estate vineyards, this position is a winemaker's dream. I look forward to working with the seasoned team here to continue to produce classically proportioned wines that are the hallmark of Pine Ridge," says Beaulac. Pine Ridge Vineyards is one of the gems in the collection of the Crimson Wine Group, a leading high end wine portfolio representing diverse varietals and AVAs in some of the most renowned winegrowing regions in California and Oregon. The portfolio also includes Archery Summit, a pioneer winery in the Dundee Hills appellation of Oregon, whose first vintage was 1993 and is known as a premier producer of Pinot Noir from its 120 acres of vineyards, along with Chamisal Vineyards, 80 acres that were the first vineyard planted in the Edna Valley in 1973. For media inquiries and sample requests, please contact Kimberly Charles of Charles Communications Associates, press@charlescomm.com or 415/701-9463.

Oeneo Successfully Defends Super-Critical Challenge London, United Kingdom April 22, 2009... Oeneo, manufacturer of technical closure DIAM, has today (22nd April) successfully defended a challenge to its patented super-critical technology in the European Office of the Patent in München. The challenge was filed by cork producers against Oeneo and the government owned French Atomic Agency CEA, which jointly own the exclusive rights to the patented DIAM super-critical CO2 process. Objectors had challenged DIAM's rights to the super-critical technology. Commenting on the development, DIAM commercial director Dean Banister said: "This recent challenge is yet another positive validation of the Diamant process, and of the DIAM closure in itself, highlighting the inferior nature of other cork based closure solutions. As custodians of the Diamant process we are exploring opportunities to share the technology with selected industry partners. That said, of utmost importance to Oeneo is the integrity of the Diamant process - we need to ensure the technology is used in a responsible manner to continue to deliver efficient closure solutions to the global wine industry. The Diamant process, which has been scientifically proven to eradicate detectable levels of TCA and other undesirable compounds, has been used since 2003 to produce and sell nearly 800 million DIAM closures that are not only TCA free but also offer varying levels of Oxygen Transmission Rates (OTR) and a mechanical sealing guarantee of a minimum of two, five or ten years. About Oeneo Oeneo provides a secure closure with huge performance benefits, allowing their clients to close their wines with confidence. By concentrating their efforts on two real threats to the wine industry, closure consistency and TCA, Oeneo has been able to provide wineries with two winning solutions: DIAM, a technological cork free of TCA taint and the S-Cap, a screw cap closure, both with two levels of permeability. These closures offer flexibility, consistency and security to the winemaker, providing the only complete range to suit all winemaking styles and market requirements. For more information about Oeneo, please visit www.oeneo.co.uk. For more information about DIAM closure for wine and the DIAMANT process for TCA extraction, please visit www.diam-cork.com. ###

Mark West Pinot Noir Teams Up with Raley’s to Celebrate Earth Day The result: energy savings, water conservation and a garden of basil Graton, CA, April 15, 2009… Everyday at Mark West is Earth Day, where its winery’s energy and water conservation practices are built into the eco-conscious winemaking process. Although everyone has been touting their green report cards of late, Mark West has quietly focused more on producing an exceptional value Pinot Noir for under $15 than elaborating on the number of awards they’ve won for their energy and water conservation measures as well as greenhouse gas emissions reductions.  We, as their PR firm think that it’s something to talk about hence our release to you ☺ . This Earth Day however, the green initiatives are reaching beyond the winery practices and being embraced by Raley’s customers in stand-up displays throughout California for an Earth Day kick off promotion. Mark West has designed “plantable” coasters, which have been embedded with basil seeds and will be tied around the neck of bottles of Mark West Pinot Noir. When consumers are done using the coasters, they can be planted in soil and yield this most versatile of summer herbs. “Mark West’s Pinot Noir has always been about providing everyday wine drinkers with an affordable and enjoyable Pinot Noir. We are happy to be able to provide Raley’s customers with a fun way to enjoy Earth Day by reminding them that even at the value level, you can still find great, eco-friendly wine.” Says Ron Janowczyk, Vice President of Sales. “Raley’s commitment to sustainability, local producers and the environment made them a perfect partner to work with on this Earth Day special offering.” About Mark West Mark West specializes in producing great value California Pinot Noir with varietal integrity and quality.  Mark West’s Pinot Noir appeals to a wide range of wine drinkers who enjoy an affordable everyday Pinot Noir at home or by the glass in restaurants. Mark West is one of the top five best selling Pinot Noirs in the country and was selected as one of the "Most Popular Pinot Noirs" in the 20th Annual Restaurant Poll in Wine & Spirits Magazine in April 2009. The winery in Graton has been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency, granted an Energy Star Award and became an accredited Sonoma County Green Business in 2008. For more information on Mark West wines and the people behind them, contact Kendall Johnson, Charles Communications Associates, kendall@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463. About Raley’s Raleys, a privately-owned supermarket chain based in West Sacramento, California, was founded by Tom Raley, who opened his first store in 1935. The company is committed to providing busy, health-conscientious families with convenient, high- quality foods at outstanding value. More information about Raleys and its green initiatives is available at www.raleys.com. ###

Charles Communications Signs DeLoach Vineyards of Boisset Family Estates San Francisco, CA April 2009... Charles Communications Associates, LLC. announces the addition of a new client to its diverse portfolio of wine brands for 2009. DeLoach Vineyards of Boisset Family Estates has tapped Charles Communications for their public relations efforts for its strategic insight and ability to steer brands to the right media and consumer groups both online and off. "Working with Boisset Family Estates for over a year has been a great synergy for Charles Communications Associates.  The long term philosophy supported by the parent company Boisset and expressed through the vision of Jean Charles Boisset for his exciting property and team at DeLoach is a natural fit for Charles Communications Associates," said Kimberly Charles, founder of the company, celebrating its sixth anniversary this coming May. "The conversion of the estate to biodynamic practices, the water conservation and environmental sensitivity coupled with an ongoing drive to innovate in green packaging is an arena in which we have great experience." About DeLoach Vineyards As a pioneering force in Pinot Noir winegrowing in Sonoma County, DeLoach Vineyards has been experimenting with and perfecting the various combinations of soil, rootstock and clones for over three decades. In 2004 the Boisset Family brought their eco-friendly and biodynamic approach to sustainable winemaking to DeLoach Vineyards; showing their dedication to the environment, the Boisset Family Estates tore up award-winning vineyards after the 2004 vintage and replanted with cover crops designed to revitalize the soil. New vines were planted in 2006, and the first vintage grown with biodynamic farming techniques will be the eagerly-awaited 2010 vintage. In the meantime, the DeLoach Vineyards continue to produce world-class wine by partnering with winegrowers who are equally dedicated to and passionate about eco-friendly farming practices and the production of high-quality wines. For more information about DeLoach Vineyards, please visit www.deloachvineyards.com. About Charles Communications Associates, LLC. Charles Communications Associates, LLC, headquartered in San Francisco, CA is an independent creative marketing communications and public relations firm that helps local and global companies, organizations and non-profits create, build and launch a brand. Recognized as one of the most effective PR firms in the consumer products and wine industry, CCA is also known for success in the gourmet, natural and organic food and beverage categories, as well as for top shelf spirits and luxury products marketing. The CCA team infuses its work with enthusiasm, originality, and strategy to help clients thrive and grow. Current CCA client roster includes Boisset Family Estates, The Bubble Lounge, Brix Chocolate, DIAM USA, Domaine Carneros, Mark West, Parallel Wines, and Volta Wines. For more information about Charles Communications, please visit www.charlescomm.com For press inquiries contact Kimberly Charles, Charles Communications Associates, LLC at kcharles@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463 www.charlescomm.com. ###

Carneros Bistro & Wine Celebrates Earth Day 2009 with an Earth, Wind & Fire Dinner Italian Inspired $29 Sunday Suppers Also Officially Launch March 2009 - Sonoma, CA - Earth Day has been celebrated by conservationists for almost four decades, but in the recent years Earth Day has been celebrated by an increasing amount of people all over the world. Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar in Sonoma is hosting a pre-Earth Day celebration with a second themed dinner of 2009: Earth, Wind & Fire. Dueling winemakers Jeff Stewart of Buena Vista Carneros and Darren Procsal of Atlas Peak Winery will join Chef, Janine Falvo, and Sommelier, Chris Sawyer for the six-course meal. The four will be broadcast on wireless microphones to give guests a glimpse into the inner working of the kitchen, and each will represent the elements of the dinner: Janine as the fire, Chris the water, and the Winemakers as the Earth. The "Wind" course will consist of a Pasta Carbonara paired with a Buena Vista Carneros 2005 Ramal Vineyard Chardonnay, a tribute to thelegendary Carneros winds and the characteristic Chardonnays of the region. "Earth" is comprised of two courses: Janine's signature PorkSphere, paired with Buena Vista Carneros 2005 Ramal Vineyard Pinot Noir, and Wagyu American Kobe Ribeye, paired with Atlas Peak 2004 Napa Valley Claret. Janine brings "Fire" to the menu every day via the wood-fired oven, but for this occasion she will prepare Venison, Spice-Wrapped with Pancetta and Swiss Chard. The last course is the exception: "Heaven", a Crispy Chocolate Mousse paired with the Buena Vista Carneros Syrah Port. The cost of the six course meal will be $95 per person which includes wine pairings. The dinner will be held on Sunday, April 19th at 2pm in Sonoma. Chef Janine's Sunday Suppers Chef Janine also recently debuted "Sunday Suppers", a three-course prix fixe dinner offered on Sunday evenings with menus that reflect Janine's Italian heritage and feature her favorite comfort foods. The first course will consist of everything between Arranciato (Rice Balls) to Italian Wedding Soup, a soup with pastina, spinach, tiny meatballs, and romano cheese. Pasta Ceci, a pasta with chickpeas and Pasta Fagiole among other favorites comprise the pasta course offerings. Finally, the entrees will range from Rabbit Bolognese to Steak Pizziola, and will be followed by a dessert course, perhaps Pistachio Gelato or Strufoli, an Italian honey cookie. Sunday Suppers are inspired by Janine's traditional Italian upbringing. Janine's talents as a chef were born in her parents' kitchen, where they made their own sausage in the winter, wine in the fall, and canned their own tomatoes every summer.  Sunday Suppers will be held every Sunday at Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar from 5:30-9:00pm. The meal consists of an appetizer, entrée, and dessert and costs $29 per person. Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar, located at The Lodge at Sonoma has celebrated the best of local ingredients since opening its doors in 2001. The restaurant was named one of the Top 50 in the Bay Area by San Francisco Magazine. Guests love the sumptuous organic garden adjacent to the restaurant where Chef Falvo selects ingredients for her seasonal, local menus. For media information, please contact Janice Javier at Janice@charlescomm.com or Leith Steel at Leith@andrewfreemanandco.com. For reservations information about Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar please visit the www.carnerosbistro.com or call 707 931 2042.

Keep Your Wedding Green with Sparkling Wine from Domaine Carneros, the First Certified Organic Sparkling Vineyard in the United States San Francisco, CA March 2009 - From all the organic eats and drinks being offered at restaurants, grocery stores and your local farmers markets, making healthier and environmentally conscious food and beverage choices is more of a priority than ever. So why not toast your special day in a green way? From the beginning of the property's evolution over 20 years ago, the Domaine Carneros vineyard was farmed sustainably and the move towards 100% organic farming seemed like a logical and necessary progression. In April 2008, Domaine Carneros was certified organic under the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), which gave the winery the distinction of being the first certified organic sparkling winery in the United States. By serving Domaine Carneros at your wedding, not only will you be serving one of the finest wines from California but also supporting a company whose goals include protecting the earth and its resources. "We've always taken an active role to preserve the health of the land," says Eileen Crane, CEO and Winemaker of Domaine Carneros. "Our first commitment is to produce the best wines and we believe that you achieve this through healthy vines, becoming organic was a natural evolution for us from the start." Domaine Carneros sparkling wines, all grown from organically farmed grapes, are offered at various price points to meet the needs of betrothed couples. The 2005 Domaine Carneros Brut Vintage, rated 92 points by Wine Spectator, is priced at $26 per bottle, while the Cuvée de la Pompadour Brut Rosé is offered at $36 per bottle. For a luxurious splurge, the 2002 Le Rêve Blanc de Blancs can be purchased at $85 per bottle.  The search for green beverages does not have to end with sparkling wine at Domaine Carneros, they also offer the Domaine Carneros Pinot Noir, which is priced at $32 per bottle. Domaine Carneros has garnered much press and acclaim not only for their high quality sparkling wines and pinot noirs but also for their commendable green practices. Here are some recent highlights: December 2008: San Francisco Chronicle, SF Gate, "Top 100 Wines 2008" September 2008: National Geographic Traveler, Intelligent Travel (Blog), "Napa Valley Nostalgia" May 2008: Sprig.com, Ask the Expert, "Eileen Crane" Selecting Domaine Carneros as your sparking wine of choice is not the only way to green your wedding.  Always keep in mind that the key to an eco- and style- conscious wedding is to simplify, reduce, and reuse. One way to reduce your carbon footprint is to send wedding invites on recycled paper. Opt for 100% post consumer waste recycled invitations that are processed without chlorine. Additionally, encourage your guests to recycle their invitations, or have seeds embedded in the paper so that the guests can plant their invitations afterwards. How about a caterer who only uses locally grown organic foods? The quality of the produce is more likely to be better than that of more institutional offering. Another great idea is to donate any extra food to local charities or homeless shelters.  Local charities will be more than glad to come pick up any extras at the end of the reception meaning the only work you have to do is give them a  heads up call. Supporting local farmers and companies with philosophies you agree with is always a great idea and a momentous occasion such as your wedding should be no exception. For more information, please visit www.domainecarneros.com or contact Andrew Cha of Charles Communications Associates, LLC at Andrew@charlescomm.com or 415 701 9463 www.charlescomm.com. ###

IT WAS and IT IS, CHAMISAL VINEYARDS Heritage and Quality Beckons Chamisal Vineyards to its Original Moniker SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA (February 23, 2009) The historic Chamisal property was the first vineyard planted in the Edna Valley in 1973, and promptly drew acclaim for outstanding wines.  “The legacy and longstanding quality of the property inspired us to turn the clock back to its original namesake, Chamisal Vineyards,” said Erle Martin, President & Chief Executive Officer, Crimson Wine Group. Known as Domaine Alfred from 1996 to 2008, the Crimson Wine Group announced the purchase of the legendary vineyard in August, 2008.  Day-to-day management of the winery continues to rest with the local team. “The vineyard has been consistently producing outstanding wines under the guidance of winemaker Fintan du Fresne and we are committed to guarding the distinction of the winery,” said Martin. Much of the 80-acre vineyard was replanted in the early 90s under the previous owner, with a focus on high density spacing and a diverse clonal selection.  The property is planted mainly to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as some Syrah, Grenache and Pinot Gris, showcasing 29 different clones of these varieties. “Everything we do in the vineyard and in our winemaking is about showcasing this special place, and we are pleased to honor its heritage by once again calling it Chamisal Vineyards,” said winemaker Fintan du Fresne. The announcement was made as the winery gets ready to launch its newest releases under the  Chamisal label.  Chamisal Vineyards will continue their focus on the production of high end Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the estate, with the core priced from $24 to $60 a bottle. About Crimson Wine Group The Crimson Wine Group is a leading high end wine portfolio, representing diverse varietals and appellations in some of the best wine growing regions in the U.S.  It is currently comprised of Chamisal Vineyards, located in the Edna Valley, Pine Ridge Vineyards, located in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley; and Archery Summit Winery, situated in the Dundee Hills of Oregon. For More Information, Please Contact Kendall Johnson, Charles Communications Associates at 415-701-9463, or kendall@charlescomm.com XXX

Charles Communications Signs Golden Star Tea and Brix Chocolate San Francisco, CA February 2009 - Charles Communications Associates, LLC. announced the addition of two new clients to its diverse portfolio of consumer brands for 2009. Golden Star Tea, and Brix Chocolate have tasked Charles Communications for their public relations efforts for its strategic insight and ability to steer brands to the right media and consumer groups both online and off. "We are extremely excited to be promoting two such tasty and truly unique products outside our mainstream portfolio of wine & spirits," said Kimberly Charles, founder of Charles Communications Associates, LLC.. "Both companies were initiated by imaginative, and forward thinking people and that's a perfect fit for our firm. We appreciate being acknowledged as experts in the field of fine food and beverage." Golden Star Tea is a San Francisco brewer of a unique product: White Jasmine Sparkling Tea. Similar to champagne in its mouth feel and complex character, the White Jasmine offers a drinking experience that is at once familiar and entirely new. With a slight sweetness and a clean acidity, it pairs perfectly with a wide variety of cuisines and is the ideal choice for any refined celebration or affair. For those consumers unwilling to sacrifice sophistication and complexity in their search for a non-alcoholic fine beverage, Golden Star's White Jasmine Sparkling Tea offers a welcome and unique choice. The beverage is available in 730ml bottles at Whole Foods Market, as well as specialty wine shops and restaurants. For more information please visit www.goldenstartea.com. Brix Chocolates were specially developed to pair with wine. Based on single origin chocolate from Ghana, Brix chocolates boast red fruit flavors that won't overwhelm wine. Brix Milk Chocolate is ideally suited for light bodied red wines and dessert wines; while Brix Dark Chocolate is very versatile and pairs well with medium bodied and fruit forward red wines ranging all the way from fuller bodied Pinot Noir to lighter Cabernets. Brix Extra Dark Chocolate is the perfect pair for powerful or tannic red wines. Dr. Nick Proia, a pulmonologist and wine enthusiast, created Brix chocolates after seeking a healthier alternative to pairing wine with cheese. For more information please visit www.brixchocolate.com. About Charles Communications Associates, LLC. Charles Communications Associates, LLC, headquartered in San Francisco, CA is an independent creative marketing communications and public relations firm that helps local and global companies, organizations and non-profits create, build and launch a brand. Recognized as one of the most effective PR firms in the consumer products and wine industry, CCA is also known for success in the gourmet, natural and organic food and beverage categories, as well as for top shelf spirits and luxury products marketing. The CCA team infuses its work with enthusiasm, originality, and strategy to help clients thrive and grow. Current CCA client roster includes Boisset Family Estates, The Bubble Lounge, Domaine Carneros, JAQK Cellars, Mark West, Parallel Wines, and Volta Wines. For more information please visit www.charlescomm.com. For press inquiries contact Kimberly Charles of Charles Communications Associates, LLC at kcharles@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463. www.charlescomm.com. ###

Great Economic News:  Everything’s Coming Up Pinot for Mark West Winery As They Share News of A 2008 Filled With Increased Sales, Scores and Green Kudos Graton, CA, January 30, 2009…While the economic crisis may be gloom and doom for some, it’s been a boom for wine companies like Mark West Winery, who deliver great quality at a value price. As the dominant player in the Pinot Noir space, the company is proud to share the good news that: 2008 sales increased 45% over prior year December 2008 were 46% greater than prior year Mark West is now the largest selling single SKU of Pinot Noir in the U.S. “Our business proposition has always been to deliver single-varietal, hand-crafted wines at a value price,” shared founder, Derek Benham. “We had great traction going into 2008 which set the stage for us to respond well to the economy driven demands of the savvy consumer looking for a great wine.” No strangers to success, Derek Benham is a veteran of the wine world, who sold his first varietally driven venture, Blackstone Winery to Pacific Wine Partners in October 2001. This success was due to understanding consumer trends and predicting the next one. When he acquired Mark West, he knew the benefits of a focused varietal approach and chose Pinot Noir as his next hot wine.  It certainly didn’t hurt that his efforts coincided with the film Sideways, which brought great attention to the California varietal, putting the relative unknown grape on the map in America. Choosing to work with high-end winemaking genius turned value-driven craftsman Alex Cose (formerly of Peter Michael Winery), was also prophetic for the times. Cose has applied his talents to Mark West, which has raised the wine’s profile and popularity among consumers, restaurateurs and critics alike. One boost to sales in 2008 was the fact that Mark West Pinot Noir was featured in The Wine Trials, a book by Robin Goldstein. In the book, Goldstein challenged sommeliers to blind taste value-driven wines along side their high-end sisters. The 2005 Mark West Pinot Noir beat the old guard hands down – ranking #1 of 52 wines. Not bad for a wine at a remarkable price of around $12 a bottle. Media in the fourth quarter highlighting consumer trends toward purchasing wines under $15, combined with the fact that the economic woes hit right before the holidays proved to be another boost for Mark West in 2008.  The holidays traditionally are a time when Pinot Noir sales are at their peak since the wine pairs so well with turkey, salmon, lamb and other favorites. Consumers flocked to Mark West to share a popular, affordable and trusted brand at the holiday dinner table. In addition to the perfect storm of varietal foresight, craftsmanship, and an economy that drove consumers into the value-priced market place, Mark West scored points as it hit its stride in 2008 on the green frontier, gaining recognition for its energy efficient, water-conserving, eco-conscious winemaking facility in Graton.  The facility, which works under the name of Sonoma Wine Company, was recognized by the EPA and became an accredited Sonoma County Green Business in 2008. For more information on Mark West wines and the people behind them, contact Kimberly Charles or Kendall Johnson, Charles Communications Associates,  press@charlescomm.com or  415.701.9463. ###

Move Over Cheese Brix Chocolate Introduces the First Wine Friendly Chocolate As an Alternative to Cheese San Francisco, CA (January 22, 2009) - Brix Chocolate, the first chocolate designed specifically to complement wine, made its national debut at the highly-anticipated 2009 Fancy Food Show in San Francisco, CA.  Brix Chocolate, the only specific "chocolate for wine" was created by Dr. Nick Proia, a practicing pulmonologist and a Professor of Medicine at Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine, after realizing that cheese, the traditional accompaniment to a glass of wine, counteracts wine's unique health benefits. Both red wine and chocolate boast anti-oxidant benefits lowering blood pressure and reducing risk of heart disease, whereas cheese on the other hand, has high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol, both of which can lead to increased risk of heart disease. Dr. Prioa was determined to find a better partner to pair with his glass of red wine. Unable to find a chocolate on the market that complemented wine, Dr. Proia developed Brix, his own line of chocolates specifically designed to enjoy with wine. Brix uses only single origin chocolates from Ghana as the base for their chocolates, blending its rich red fruit flavors with Belgian confectionary chocolate to achieve a final product that won't overwhelm the nuances of finer wines. After rigorous testing of over thirty single origin chocolates and various blends in 5% increments 15 potential formulas were developed. From there the fifteen original samples were honed down to just three blends, all of which chosen unanimously from the test groups as the best wine partners. Each of the three different blends of chocolate (milk, dark, and extra dark) were designed to complement different varietals and styles of wine. Brix Milk Chocolate has a higher cocoa content (40%) than most milk chocolates on the market and an almost spicy flavor. It pairs well with light bodied reds like Pinot Noir and with dessert wines. Brix Extra Dark was developed to pair with powerful tannic red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Barolo. Brix Dark is the most versatile and complements fruit forward red wines including: Merlot and Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache as well as Zinfandel. With Valentine's Day less than a month away, the national product launch offers a timely and sophisticated twist on the traditional sweetheart offering of wine and chocolate. Brix takes it name from a term in the wine industry used to measure the sugar content of grapes, a gauge often used to determine ripeness at harvest time. It also provides inspiration for the shape of the Brix "brick" specially designed to be broken into large, rough pieces whose flavors explode faster in the mouth than a uniformly smooth piece, creating a more intense burst of flavor. These large bricks lend themselves well to creating a hands-on communal experience to be enjoyed by many as each brick is large enough to share with up to fifteen people making the act of breaking the chocolate as elemental as the act of breaking bread. Serving Brix chocolate with wine creates an interactive and social dessert and wine experience for exploration and enjoyment. Products: Brix Milk Chocolate Brix Dark Chocolate Brix Extra Dark Chocolate Availability: Brix Chocolate can be found online at www.brixchocolate.com, at Cost Plus World Market and Kings Supermarket. ABOUT BRIX Brix chocolates were specially developed to pair with chocolate. Based on single origin chocolate from Ghana, Brix chocolates boast red fruit flavors that won't overwhelm wine. Brix Milk Chocolate is ideally suited for light bodied red wines and dessert wines; while Brix Dark Chocolate is very versatile and pairs well with medium bodied and fruit forward red wines ranging all the way from fuller bodied Pinot Noir to lighter Cabernets. Brix Extra Dark Chocolate is the perfect pair for powerful or tannic red wines. Dr. Nick Proia, a pulmonologist and wine enthusiast, created Brix chocolates after seeking a healthier alternative to pairing wine with cheese. For more information please visit www.brixchocolate.com. For more information, photos or to request media samples please contact Kendall Johnson, Charles Communications Associates at kendall@charlescomm.com or call 415-701-9463. ###

Wente Vineyards Key Facts